Reston Natives Enjoy the Vibrant Woodleigh Chase Lifestyle in their Sunny New Home

This spring, Harry and Cathy Tunis traded in their wooded, four-bedroom house in Reston, Va., for a sunny, two-bedroom, maintenance-free apartment home at Woodleigh Chase, the brand-new Erickson Senior Living community in Fairfax, Va. 

"We have lived in the woods for 47 years, so we were anxious to see the sky," jokes Harry, who's excited to be among the very first residents to call the 42-acre campus home.   

"We selected an apartment home on the top floor because we wanted a lot of light," explains Cathy. "We face southeast, and we couldn't be happier!" 

Solid game plan

Moving to a retirement community was always part of the couple's long-term plans, but they hadn't solidified a "when." 

"We've always enjoyed gardening and working outside, so raking up all the leaves and branches never bothered us," notes Harry. 

"But when we started to think about who would manage the property five or ten years down the road, we knew it was time to plan for a move."

Although they'd joined the waiting list at two retirement communities in Maryland, they were intrigued by Woodleigh Chase. After taking a closer look, they decided to join the community's Priority List. 

"A friend of ours was on staff at Greenspring, [the Erickson Senior Living community in Springfield, Va.,] so he was able to answer some of our questions. We were also pleased with Erickson Senior Living's philosophy of 'Helping people live better lives,'" he adds. 

The convenient location and abundant amenities at Woodleigh Chase also appealed to Harry and Cathy.

"Our daughter lives nearby in Fairfax County," says Cathy. 

"I like to ride my bike, and there are a lot of trails and parks around Woodleigh Chase," adds Harry. "We also enjoy going to events and concerts at the Center for the Arts, and it's just five minutes away." 

Spacious floor plans

After deciding that Woodleigh Chase was the right community for them, Harry and Cathy put some thought toward a floor plan that would work best for their lifestyle. 

They chose the Rutherford, an extra-large, two-bedroom floor plan that spans nearly 1,500 square feet and features a contemporary kitchen and a private, screened-in balcony. 

"We really liked the open concept of the apartment home, with the dining room, living room, and kitchen flowing into each other," says Harry. "Plus, it's similar in size and layout to our old house."

"Having a full laundry room is also a bonus, as it gives us added storage space," says Cathy. "We turned our second bedroom into a study--as well as a space for overnight guests--with built-in desks, bookshelves, and custom closets." 

'Your life is richer'

As much as the Tunises love relaxing in their new home, they enjoy spending time out and about in the community even more. 

Among the on-site amenities are an all-season aquatics center, fitness center, theater, hair salon, barbershop, classrooms, a library, billiards and game room, medical center, outdoor bocce courts, dog park, two restaurants, and a pub.

"I used to go to exercise classes at the local YMCA, but now I can walk down the hall to the fitness center--without having to hop in the car," says Cathy. "I love to cook, but it's nice to have restaurants right here to choose from."

"I did yoga classes for 12 years, and I am looking forward to getting back into the habit at the fitness center!" says Harry. 

"There are also plenty of opportunities to meet new people. When you live in a vibrant community like Woodleigh Chase, you encounter dozens of people every day. You can't say the same when you live in a house."

"Your life is richer by getting to know other people," adds Cathy. "We are excited to live in a new community where no one has lived before. We are all in the same boat!"

Think ahead

After their successful move, Harry and Cathy offer this advice: 

"Put your name on the Priority List, even if you are still exploring all your options and aren't quite ready to move," says Harry. "You learn so much by joining!"

"I would also tell people to visit different communities and compare them to everything that Woodleigh Chase offers. It's important to think about your future now," Cathy says.

"Once you carefully and realistically consider what your life could look like in five or ten years, you might be more inclined to move to a continuing care retirement community like Woodleigh Chase," she adds.

Woodleigh Chase anticipates announcing its next residence building later this year. 

To learn more about senior living at this vibrant community, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and so much more.